EnglishPoor filler technique is more common than you think – what to know before your next appointment
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“She went blind after a filler – in Singapore.”
Earlier this year, The Straits Times reported Singapore’s first case of blindness following a dermal filler procedure.
(Source: Straits Times – Woman goes blind after dermal filler treatment in first reported Singapore case)
It wasn’t an overseas headline or a viral TikTok story. It happened here.
Dermal fillers are often described as “lunchtime procedures” – quick, minimal downtime, instantly gratifying. Yet few realise that fillers are medical implants injected near vital arteries and nerves, and when done poorly, the consequences can be devastating.
How filler complications happen
Most filler emergencies come from one mechanism: vascular occlusion – when filler is injected into or compresses a blood vessel.
If that vessel supplies the eye, blindness can occur within minutes.
If it feeds facial tissue, skin necrosis or scarring can follow. While blindness remains rare, aesthetic doctors see far more frequent issues such as:
- “Pillow face” from overfilling
- Migration or product shifting
- Lumpy, uneven texture
- Asymmetry or unnatural contours
Why this happens (even in clinics)
Bad results don’t always come from unlicensed salons. They can happen anywhere – even in licensed clinics – when technique or judgment is lacking.
Common causes include:
- Poor understanding of facial vascular anatomy
- Injectors using template-based filler amounts instead of tailored doses
- Non-doctor injectors or overseas-trained practitioners with limited supervision
- Chain clinics that prioritise volume and speed over precision
These lead to the same overdone look: high, sharp cheeks, stiff smiles, and the infamous “Russian lip” trend that doesn’t suit every face.
How to spot unsafe filler practices
Before you book, ask the right questions. Warning signs include:
- Vague or evasive answers about risk and anatomy
- No mention of product brand or injection depth
- No visible hyaluronidase (filler dissolver) stocked in the room
- Packages that push multiple syringes at a discount
Trust your instincts. If it feels rushed or overly sales-driven, walk away.
SW1’s safety protocol for fillers
At SW1, every filler treatment follows a strict, doctor-only safety protocol:
- Injectors trained extensively in anatomy and complication management
- Blunt-tip cannulas used where safe to minimise vessel injury
- Slow, low-volume injections with aspiration before delivery
- Emergency hyaluronidase available in every injection room
- Only HSA-approved, traceable fillers used – every batch logged and recorded
“Filler safety isn’t luck; it’s training, vigilance, and respect for anatomy.” – Dr Low Chai Ling
What to do if you suspect a bad filler job
Redness, swelling, dark patches, or sharp pain after filler are not “normal reactions.”
They can signal vascular compromise or infection, and require immediate attention.
Steps to take:
- Contact your injector right away.
- Request dissolving treatment (hyaluronidase) – do not wait.
- If your clinic dismisses your concern, seek another doctor immediately.
SW1 offers emergency filler dissolving consults, complication management, and full-face audits to correct asymmetry, migration, or lumps.
Closing words: “It shouldn’t look like you’ve had fillers.”
“The best filler work looks invisible. If you can see the filler, feel the filler, or regret the filler – it was poorly done.” – Dr Michelle Lim
Natural results come from anatomy-led precision, not volume. Choose doctors who treat your face as unique, not as a template.
